What action is appropriate when someone shows signs of heat illness?

• A. Move to shade and hydrate
• B. Give them a cold bath
• C. Give them hot coffee
• D. Wrap in blankets

Answer: (A)

When someone shows signs of heat illness, the priority is to cool them down and restore fluids. Moving them to shade or a cooler area reduces their body heat load, and providing fluids helps replace what was lost through sweating. These actions address both overheating and dehydration, which are central to early treatment.

Keep them resting with loose clothing and, if they are conscious and able to swallow, offer water or an electrolyte drink. If symptoms worsen or include confusion, fainting, vomiting, or if heat stroke is suspected (very high body temperature, severe confusion, unconsciousness), seek medical help immediately.

Why the other options aren’t appropriate: a cold bath can be unsafe in many field situations and isn’t the standard first step; hot coffee increases dehydration and heat load; wrapping in blankets traps heat and prevents cooling.